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Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress
A beautiful gift book commemorating the nation's most cherished springtime tradition, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, through original works of art from the Library of Congress collections
Experience the splendor of the annual spring viewing of the nation's sakura (cherry blossoms) with this stunning keepsake book. Original artwork, photographs, and objects from the Library of Congress collections illuminate the story of these landmark trees and how they came to the nation's capital as a symbol of friendship with Japan. More than one million visitors from the US and abroad gather each year to enjoy Washington's glorious profusion of cloud-like blossoms and join in the festivities. Cherry Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress showcases exquisite watercolor drawings of blossom varieties among the original cherry trees, Japanese woodblock prints by such master artists as Kiyonaga and Hiroshige, early 3-D stenographs and contemporary photos of the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, mementos from a former cherry blossom princess, posters of the festival, and more. These works offer the opportunity to explore Japanese culture while celebrating Washington's beloved cherry blossoms.
Experience the splendor of the annual spring viewing of the nation's sakura (cherry blossoms) with this stunning keepsake book. Original artwork, photographs, and objects from the Library of Congress collections illuminate the story of these landmark trees and how they came to the nation's capital as a symbol of friendship with Japan. More than one million visitors from the US and abroad gather each year to enjoy Washington's glorious profusion of cloud-like blossoms and join in the festivities. Cherry Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress showcases exquisite watercolor drawings of blossom varieties among the original cherry trees, Japanese woodblock prints by such master artists as Kiyonaga and Hiroshige, early 3-D stenographs and contemporary photos of the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms, mementos from a former cherry blossom princess, posters of the festival, and more. These works offer the opportunity to explore Japanese culture while celebrating Washington's beloved cherry blossoms.
- GenresNonfiction
96 pages, Hardcover
Published February 11, 2020
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 29, 2020
Beautiful book with a well written history of the Cherry Trees and U.S.-Japan relations.
April 11, 2021
For me, the Cherry Blossom season in DC isn't just about walking down the tidal basin and enjoying the beautiful pink blossoms. It is also a time to reflect on how far the acts of diplomacy and goodwill have gone in ending years of conflict between countries and bringing peace to the world.
To me, the season is also a celebration of art and culture. The book features many beautiful paintings, woodblock prints, lithographic posters and ink and pencil drawings of Japanese cherry blossoms. Each of them showcases a different aspect of Spring, from the seasonal pastime of hanami, to the various symbolic meanings of the blossoms. There's so much history captured in cherry blossom art. It makes me want to be more intentional with my viewing experience, and contribute to this art space.
There are so many varieties of cherry blossoms. The flowers comes in many different shapes and shades of pink. The names of each flower have spiritual and political symbolism. It's a reminder to look closer at the flowers, and soak up their deep meaning.
We live in a world where the exchange of culture is seen by some as appropriation, by some as approbation, and some as a fostering multiculturalism. When it is done right, we recognize ourselves in the culture of the other and make theirs our own! We do that by reminding ourselves of why the blossoms came to be given to our city; and what that gesture means to both countries. The book does a great job of that.
To me, the season is also a celebration of art and culture. The book features many beautiful paintings, woodblock prints, lithographic posters and ink and pencil drawings of Japanese cherry blossoms. Each of them showcases a different aspect of Spring, from the seasonal pastime of hanami, to the various symbolic meanings of the blossoms. There's so much history captured in cherry blossom art. It makes me want to be more intentional with my viewing experience, and contribute to this art space.
There are so many varieties of cherry blossoms. The flowers comes in many different shapes and shades of pink. The names of each flower have spiritual and political symbolism. It's a reminder to look closer at the flowers, and soak up their deep meaning.
We live in a world where the exchange of culture is seen by some as appropriation, by some as approbation, and some as a fostering multiculturalism. When it is done right, we recognize ourselves in the culture of the other and make theirs our own! We do that by reminding ourselves of why the blossoms came to be given to our city; and what that gesture means to both countries. The book does a great job of that.
March 17, 2021
All too fleeting in real life, this slender volume allowed me to linger and enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms from multiple angles.
The introduction told the story of the 1912 initial gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to Washington, D.C., along with many interesting photos from that period. Next, there was a brief chapter on cherry blossoms in Japanese culture paired with a selection of wood print blocks (sadly, I found this part woefully undeveloped; such a rich topic had many more things that could have been said!). My favorite chapter followed, showing exquisitely detailed botanical watercolors of several varieties. And finally, the book concludes with a collection of posters for the National Cherry Blossom Festival held annually in the Capital, some of which I felt definitely showed their age more than others.
In all, I thought it was a very nice art book and I especially liked how the authors displayed various perspectives--Japanese, American, photos, prints, watercolors, and posters. It had a nice sense of balance.
The introduction told the story of the 1912 initial gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to Washington, D.C., along with many interesting photos from that period. Next, there was a brief chapter on cherry blossoms in Japanese culture paired with a selection of wood print blocks (sadly, I found this part woefully undeveloped; such a rich topic had many more things that could have been said!). My favorite chapter followed, showing exquisitely detailed botanical watercolors of several varieties. And finally, the book concludes with a collection of posters for the National Cherry Blossom Festival held annually in the Capital, some of which I felt definitely showed their age more than others.
In all, I thought it was a very nice art book and I especially liked how the authors displayed various perspectives--Japanese, American, photos, prints, watercolors, and posters. It had a nice sense of balance.
October 26, 2024
A lovely and informative book, a treat to read. I’m so glad thanks to my BFF I was able to enjoy the blossoms twice once through a visit to Washington DC and Virginia and again through this beautiful book.
March 25, 2024
An informative and beautiful keepsake. The curated art shows a history of seasonal change revolving around the beauty of the blossoms.
January 7, 2025
We are taking a trip to DC this year to see the Sakura. This book helped me to get the history, the Japanese gesture, and the beauty of the hanami.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews